Critical Moment to Join Forces along the PV Value Chain
Critical Moment to Join Forces along the PV Value Chain
By Stephan Raithel, Director PV Europe, SEMI
In my last article for this newsletter in March 2012, I began with a call for cooperation and precompetitive discussions to ensure alignment along the supply chain. Nine months later, I can only reiterate the need for action.
As the industry struggles under the heavy weight of production over-capacity, and trade disputes strain global business relationships, it is important to step back and take a broader view of our industry, a view that encompasses the entire PV ecosystem. We must join forces in order to remain successful and now more than ever, it is crucial that organizations all along the value chain come together and discuss fields of application, storage solutions, grid expansion and integration as well as the challenges they commonly face together. And we must commit to moving forward collectively.
Through the representation of the best interests of our PV membership, SEMI has been tasked to accelerate the growth of the manufacturing industry by repeatedly collaborating on technical topics. Innovative activities such as the International Technology Roadmap for PV (www.itrpv.net) and the SEMI International Standards Program (www.pvgroup.org/standards) contribute significantly to ensuring that leading companies come together to face challenges and jointly seek pre-competitive solutions. Only this will enable all players to produce PV products on a sustainable level – for a sustainable energy environment.
SEMI is currently preparing the next edition of the ITRPV– thanks to the support, dedication and data provided by the leading cell and module manufacturers. The global footprint of ITRPV contributors not only ensures reliable data accuracy, it also stimulates acceptance and adoption within the industry. A global roadmap by the industry, for the industry. Join us in Berlin on March 10-12 at the 7th PV Fab Managers Forum and be among the first to learn about the findings in the 2012 publication of the ITRPV presented by Markus Fischer, Director R&D, Hanwha Q-Cells. Join us and be part of the future in energy production!
We wish all of you a nice holiday season and look forward to supporting you in 2013!
SEMI, The Grid, December 2012
